Jac Morgan joined an extended listing of Welsh greats and topped off a superb few days for him by being topped Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year.
Last Saturday, Morgan captained his nation at senior degree for the primary time in a World Cup warm-up in opposition to England and excelled with a man-of-the-match show in a 20-9 victory for his crew. The 23-year-old’s promotion to skipper got here on the again of a formidable 2022/23 marketing campaign for which he was acknowledged by the Welsh rugby media.
Morgan was omitted of Wales’ tour of South Africa by then head coach Wayne Pivac final summer time, however he has responded impressively, each in worldwide rugby and together with his Ospreys area.
Past winners of the Men’s Player Award embrace Sir Gareth Edwards, Barry John, JPR Williams, Mervyn Davies, Phil Bennett, Terry Holmes, Jonathan Davies, Scott Gibbs, Ieuan Evans, Neil Jenkins, Rob Howley, Scott Quinnell, Gareth Thomas, Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Shane Williams, Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Alun Wyn Jones.
“It’s a nice honor to have. It is awesome. I’m pretty happy with it,” Morgan mentioned throughout an open coaching session in Wales at Principality Stadium on Monday.
Jac Morgan receives Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association Player of the Year award after a stellar 2022-23 marketing campaign
Morgan has been touted as a number one contender to captain Wales on the upcoming World Cup in France, however coach Warren Gatland (left) has but to decide
“It is an illustrious group of former and current players who have won the award. It means a lot to have it. Hopefully from now on we can start this season with all that is coming.
“I enjoyed last season.”
After his stellar efficiency in opposition to England, Morgan is the principle contender to steer Wales completely on the World Cup which begins in France subsequent month.
He is unlikely to characteristic for Wales at Twickenham this weekend within the rematch with Steve Borthwick’s facet.
Head coach Warren Gatland is about to nominate a very totally different XV for the London journey as he takes his eye on Wales’ expanded World Cup coaching squad. Another inexperienced face in hooker Dewi Lake is about to take over the Wales captaincy from Morgan.
Dafydd Jenkins and Ryan Elias, who suffered knee and hamstring accidents within the first win over England, didn’t practice at Principality Stadium on Monday.
Nor are Taulupe Faletau, Gareth Anscombe and Johnny Williams, which means they’re additionally unlikely to play at Twickenham.
No Welsh participant has to date been banned from collaborating within the World Cup.
Wales go to the house of English rugby with a win and a few confidence behind them after what has been a vastly disappointing Six Nations dominated by chaos on and off the pitch.
Morgan, 23, led Wales to a 20-9 win in opposition to England final weekend, however is unlikely to face the identical opponents at Twickenham on Saturday as Gatland will identify a very totally different XV.
The Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association’s feminine participant of the yr was taken dwelling by Women’s Six Nations star Sisilia Tuipulotu in April.
‘It means the world. This yr has been a superb yr for me, particularly within the rugby scene. I switched to a tighthead prop,” mentioned Tuipulotu.
“A lot has happened, but I am thankful for everything that has happened so far. It’s been a good one.’
Sisilia Tuipulotu has been named player of the year by the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association after starring in the Women’s Six Nations earlier this year
Tuipulotu is part of the Wales squad currently preparing for the inaugural WXV tournament to be held in New Zealand in October.
“We’re up against the best teams in the world, so it’s good for us to know where we stand. Hopefully it shows where we need to improve,” mentioned Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu has simply returned from a summer time vacation in her native Tonga within the run-up to the brand new season.
“I loved going back home. I almost didn’t come back! It was good to be in Tonga for a week before going back to work,” she mentioned.
“The hard work begins now.”